MH Multiband Dynamics

Name: MH Multiband Dynamics
Price: 99 USD
Author: Metric Halo

by Metric Halo · Compressor · 3-band multiband compressor

Not rated yet

MH Multiband Dynamics is a three-band compressor with a post limiter, for mixing, mastering and sound design.

It has band linking, auto gain and built-in SpectraFoo analysis, and sells for $99 (regular $179).

Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus, Vocals, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: multi-band, mastering, bus processing, auto-gain, mixing, sound design, visual feedback, vocals, A/B compare, acoustic guitar, enhancement, full mix, metering, undo/redo, built-in analyzer, bass, drum bus, glue, mix bus, punchy, resizable UI, warm.

What it does

MH Multiband Dynamics is a three-band compressor that splits the signal into low, mid and high bands and compresses each one separately. Metric Halo pitches it as a way to "add clarity, warmth and punch to your mix", shaping tonal balance as well as dynamics without obvious compression artefacts.

Three compressors: independent low, mid and high band compressors behind a three-band crossover, each with selectable auto gain.
Band linking: comprehensive linking options between bands, so you can move them together or keep them separate.
Limiter: a post-compressor limiter on the output.
Dynamic Transfer display: shows the overall response of the processor, alongside per-band transfer curves.
Analysis and metering: built-in SpectraFoo spectrum analysis and scalable gain reduction meters.
Workflow: A/B snapshots with snapshot blending, undo and redo, a cross-platform Preset Manager, a resizable UI, and user-set themes, knob styles and band colours.

This is version 4. A free, fully working 30-day trial is available, and it is also part of the discounted MH Production Bundle.

Source: Metric Halo product page

When to use it

Multiband Dynamics is for when one part of the spectrum needs controlling without touching the rest, such as a boomy low end or a harsh top on a bus or master. Unlike single-band compressors such as Pro-C 3, The Glue or TDR Kotelnikov, it compresses low, mids and highs separately. Compared with Pro-MB or TDR Nova it is limited to three fixed bands and has no dynamic EQ, but reviewers found its three-band layout and graph displays easier to grasp than busier multiband tools. Its strengths are clear visual feedback and a simple layout, while larger multiband processors offer more bands and finer frequency control.

Best for: mastering and bus work, and fixing single sources like boomy acoustic guitars or uneven vocals.
Genres: any; handy for mastering electronic, rock and acoustic material.
Look elsewhere if: you want more bands or dynamic EQ (Pro-MB, Waves F6 or TDR Nova), or plain bus glue (The Glue).
Tip: Tape Op bypassed the built-in limiter and used a dedicated mastering limiter after it instead.

What producers say

Press reviews were positive about its clarity and visual feedback, while the only KVR user review reports compatibility problems.

Tape Op (issue 94, 2013) found it "easier to wrap my brain around" than other multiband compressors, using it to liven a dull drum-machine track and in mastering.
Sound On Sound (2013) praised the thorough visual feedback and per-band transfer curves, and found it "handy for bringing into line boomy acoustic guitars", but noted the three-band limit and stiff competition from Waves C6 and Ozone.
KVR users rate it 2 out of 5 from 1 review (2021, version 2.0.3 on Windows), reporting it never worked in Reaper or Cubase and citing slow support and updates.

Where to buy

Metric Halo: $99 (regular $179)

Tutorials and reviews

Metric Halo: Multiband Dynamics

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